More than a dozen key Atlanta lawmakers endorsed state Sen. Jason Esteves in his Democratic bid for governor this week, choosing him over former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Also: U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter releases an ad attacking Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff for his support of transgender rights; and the Georgia Supreme Court reaffirms the age 21 handgun carry limit in the Peach State.

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms is officially a candidate for Georgia governor in 2026. But from her one term as Atlanta mayor to any knowledge of then-President Joe Biden's cognitive decline as a member of his administration, the candidate who wants to become the nation's first Black female governor is facing a lot of questions.

Decatur FC, a semiprofessional women’s soccer team, looks forward to potentially setting more attendance records and continuing a high standard on the field during its second season.

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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have declined to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in his 2026 reelection bid. So far, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter and Georgia Insurance and Fire Commissioner John King have thrown their hats into the GOP Senate primary, with more candidates perhaps on the way.

A metro Atlanta couple witnessed the historic election of the first American pope Thursday.

During their honeymoon trip in Italy, Chase Adams and Sandra Padilla heard news of white smoke pouring from the Sistine Chapel chimney — a signal of a new pope being elected to lead the Catholic Church.

Gov. Brian Kemp decided this week not to run for U.S. Senate in Georgia, thus opening the door for an array of GOP challengers hoping to unseat Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff.

MORE HEADLINES

Gov. Brian Kemp bows out of Senate race, reshaping Georgia’s political landscape

With Kemp out, which Georgia Republican could run for US Senate against Jon Ossoff?

‘MAGA warrior’ Buddy Carter enters Senate race to unseat Democrat Jon Ossoff

Charlie Bailey, new Dem. chair in Georgia, has big plans for the party

Political Update podcast: Brian Kemp for president?

Sen. Josh McLaurin announces campaign for Lt. Governor

US House approves Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bill renaming Gulf of Mexico

A man accused of trying to kidnap a toddler at an Acworth Walmart was released from jail after a month and a half behind bars.

Mahendra Patel, 57, from Kennesaw, was arrested in March after a mother said Patel grabbed her child in the store. But Patel’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, claims he was just trying to help the mother, who had her hands full and was riding on a handicapped shopping cart with two kids.

Cobb County Superior Court Judge A. Gregory Poole granted Patel a $10,000 bond, which was met by cheers and applause in the courtroom.